The first round of the playoffs is behind us. You either made it through or you’re now fighting for third place. We saw some massive performances and some equally massive disappointments. Injuries also played a major role and are going to impact who ends up winning championships.
Bam Knight was ruled out with an ankle injury in the second half against a tough Texans defense. Rome Odunze was ruled out before kickoff, and Luther Burden exited with an ankle injury and did not return. Christian Watson was ruled out with a chest injury, and Woody Marks managed to get banged up again. Davante Adams and Devin Neal both suffered hamstring injuries. The biggest news of the day is that Patrick Mahomes has officially torn his ACL. We will not see him again until next year, and his absence significantly impacts Travis Kelce’s fantasy value as well.
With the injuries out of the way, let’s jump into waivers.
Quarterbacks
J.J. McCarthy (35% Rostered, Yahoo)
For the second straight week, J.J. is on this list. We all knew the remaining schedule was the easiest among quarterbacks, but there were still questions about how he would respond. McCarthy finished 15 of 24 with two passing touchdowns and added another 15 yards on the ground, capped off by a gritty rushing touchdown. The interception came on an unbelievable play by Quinnen Williams, so that one is easy to overlook.
Next week, the Vikings face a Giants team that appears to be in full tank mode in pursuit of a top draft pick. You can start McCarthy for one more week, and he is clearly playing for the starting job in 2026. Start him with confidence this week and let him carry you into the championship.
C.J. Stroud (48% Rostered, Yahoo)
Stroud is starting to look like his rookie-year self again. This Texans team is firing on all cylinders, and there is no reason to expect the momentum to slow down next week. They get a very favorable matchup against a Raiders team that, outside of Maxx Crosby, is essentially playing practice-squad-level talent.
The Texans should be heavy favorites, and Stroud is set up to carve them up through the air, especially with the running back situation still unsettled. On Sunday, the former Buckeye went 22 of 29 for 260 yards and three touchdowns against a helpless Cardinals defense. At just 48 percent rostered, he is still widely available, and if you are streaming quarterbacks, he is a strong option this week—particularly if you also have Nico Collins or Dalton Schultz. He is a borderline top-12 quarterback for me this week.
Running Backs
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (48% Rostered, Yahoo)
I hate that we are back here, but here we are. He carried the ball 18 times for 96 yards and a touchdown. As expected, he looked as explosive as ever and made us all wonder where this version of him has been all season. With Chris Rodriguez hurt, JCM could be the answer to fill your flex spot.
This week, he draws a matchup against an Eagles team that has allowed an average of 107 rushing yards per game to opposing running backs. While the defense has been solid overall, the run defense has shown some cracks. In championship week, he gets a fun matchup against a Cowboys team that, by that point, may have fully checked out. If you have an extra roster spot, he is worth picking up, as he gives you valuable flexibility heading into the final stretch of the season.
Michael Carter (5% Rostered, Yahoo)
With Bam Knight carted off, Carter took over the game. Scoring 9.4 fantasy points off the bench against the best defense in the league is something we can get behind. Over the next two weeks, he draws matchups against Atlanta and then Cincinnati in championship week. Carter has the potential to win people their leagues this year.
One piece of advice is to start looking at your opponents’ rosters and make blocking moves if you have the flexibility. You do not want to be facing Carter against that Bengals defense in championship week. His ability to catch the ball makes him more matchup-proof, especially against Atlanta. At just 5 percent rostered, he should be available in nearly every league.
Wide Receivers
Luther Burden (17% Rostered, Yahoo)
Luther Burden has been announced as day to day. Rome Odunze continues to be ruled out and is starting to look like a player who simply does not want to be on the field. Before exiting this week, Burden caught six passes on seven targets for 84 yards. He is turning into the player many of us believed he could be coming out as a prospect.
He is also due for a touchdown, as he has yet to score this season. The Bears are going to have to throw the ball to keep pace with an explosive Green Bay offense. If Burden is active and Rome is out, I'm all in. Caleb Williams looks confident and is making throws that feel generational at times. If you are projected as an underdog and need an explosive flex option, Burden is your guy.
Adonai Mitchell (16% Rostered, Yahoo)
It is going to be inconsistent, and I would not recommend watching the game, but let me lay out the case. Mitchell is starting to establish real chemistry with Brady Cook. The Texas standout caught six passes on nine targets for 58 yards and a touchdown. While it did not amount to much, he also saw a rushing attempt.
Mitchell is an explosive player who benefits from having a more predictable passer like Cook. Next week, he draws a matchup against a Saints team that has been middle of the pack against opposing wide receivers. Tyler Shough can sling it, so there is a good chance Cook will be playing from behind and throwing the ball all over the field in garbage time. If you need a desperate flex play, Mitchell is your answer.
Tight Ends
Darren Waller (36% Rostered, Yahoo)
The next three games are against three of the worst defenses against opposing tight ends. Waller could legitimately finish as the TE1 for the remainder of the season with six touchdowns. The offense looks disconnected overall, and there is nowhere else for the ball to go. Waller provides a massive red zone presence and is still an athletic freak.
He currently ranks 15th among all tight ends in fantasy despite playing only one-third of the games. This play is entirely about the schedule. He is in my top-eight tight end rankings for the rest of the season. Go let this man win you a trophy.
Colby Parkinson (4% Rostered, Yahoo)
Matt Stafford is playing at an MVP level, and the offense clearly runs through Puka Nacua. With Davante Adams potentially set to miss time due to a hamstring injury, Stafford is going to need a reliable second target. That brings us to Parkinson. At 6-foot-7 and 270 pounds, he is a genetic freak.
Parkinson hauled in five receptions on seven targets for 75 yards and two touchdowns. It is safe to say he has become Stafford’s preferred red zone option when Davante isn't on the field. I love the player, and I think this Rams offense is truly special this year. I expect him to see red zone opportunities on Thursday night against Seattle, and tight ends can also find success against Atlanta in championship week.
You can pick him up for almost nothing, but just know this is a dice roll. If Davante plays, I'm out. If he misses time, I'm heading to the roulette wheel and taking my spin.
